Crane Brinton argued that the middle phases of revolutions are especially (i) _________ because the unleashed force of social momentum transfers power inexorably from more stable (if oppressive) forces to less temperate ones. Yet, he then goes on to say that the excesses (ii) _________ and a more peaceful period of “Thermidor” ensues.

Transferring power to “less temperate” forces would cause chaos. You also have the clue at the end — a “more peaceful” period comes later. So you need a pretty extreme opposite of “peaceful” in the first blank.

Only berserk works. In the second sentence, excesses recede (reduce, pull back), allowing a more peaceful phase.

Berserk, recede. _________________

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